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  Discussion on Young horses and dependency on mineral supplement
Author Message
New Member:
Zelda

Posted on Monday, Nov 4, 2002 - 5:48 pm:

When I had my Vet out to clear the tear ducts on my two year old warmblood gelding he noticed that he had thickening in the nose area (big head). We are now suspecting calcium deficiency and I am horrified! I purchased this horse as a young foal when Iound him emaciated because his mother did not have enough milk. He was thus weaned at three months and has been on excellent hay and a vitamine- mineral supplement especially for warmbloods until about 3 months ago. Because of a severe hay shortage in our area a friend took him in on pasture for the summer and it was not practical to feed him any supplements. His head appeared normal before this move. He is now back home and on a 25% Alfalfa: grass mixture and back on the mineral. My question is; can a young horse become dependent on the mineral supplement such that they cannot derive enough mineral from their feed even if it is balanced, and must stay on the supplement? Also, what do I do now?? Will this young horse have permanent damage to his cranial or structural (bones)system?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 5, 2002 - 4:59 am:

Hello Lucie,
No, I don't think what you are suggesting is likely and as long as the diet balanced the supplement will no longer be needed.

You should look at this horses diet and be sure the calcium and phosphorous is there in good amounts and balanced, see » Care for Horses » Nutrition » Calcium, Phosphorus in the Diet for an explanantion of this. Usually the damage done by such an imbalance will improve with time but not completely. The fact that you did not notice it before the vet mentioned it suggests it must not be too bad and if there is no clear nutritional problem of too little CA or too much P could this not be something else of maybe even normal?
DrO
Member:
Zelda

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 6, 2002 - 7:46 pm:

Thankyou Dr. O
I did the calculations and as far as I can see when he is on my Alfalfa mix hay and vitamine supplement he is getting enough Calcium and Phosphorus and the ratio of Ca:Ph is within the limits for a young horse but when he was out at pasture he may not have had enough. However he did have alfalfa in the pasture and was only out there a few months. I am confused about one thing though...if they are getting sufficient total weight of Ca and Ph in their diet is that enough or must the percent of Ca or Ph per total weight consumed (.36% Ca and .25%Ph for young horse) also be met?? Given a deficiency or imbalance does this condition manifest itself quickly i.e. in only a few months or must the horse have had a long term problem? I am also wondering if the thickening or swelling we are witnessing in his face could be a dental issue such as the loss of his cusps at age 21/2? The reason I am suspicious is that his legs are so nice and tight and I would expect them to look puffy or swollen if he had nutritional issues to the point where he is exhibiting symptoms of 'Bighead'. This young horse always does look a little 'ribby' however and somewhat immature but I was not concerned as I would rather see that then too round and over-developed in my growing warmblood horses. Thankyou so much for your responses...this has been most useful.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Nov 7, 2002 - 7:22 am:

If I understand your question correctly, it is the total weight that is critical. Percent recommendations assume a certain amount of consumption and while much easier to discuss, are not as accurate as correct weights. Remember with these two nurients however is the ratio (whether you use percent or weight) of the two are important also.

In a growing foal signs of nutritional deficiency or imbalance can certainly exhibit in a few months.
DrO
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